Σχολή Επιστημών Υγείας

In 1906, a grand building arose in Heraklion, designed by Konstantinos Tsantirakis. This was no ordinary school. This was the French School of Nuns, a prestigious institution led by Mother Superior Gabrielle Rio. The French School of Nuns was known as the General Clinic Evangelismos. Now, as you stand before this historic structure, imagine the bustle of young ladies receiving a top-tier education within these very walls. They studied classical subjects alongside languages, music, home economics and even dance. The School of Medicine of the University of Crete is located nearby. For 35 years, the French School of Nuns thrived. Then, the shadow of World War II fell upon Heraklion. In 1941, the school was commandeered, transformed into a German Military Hospital. The vibrant energy of learning was replaced by the somber realities of war. After the liberation in 1945, the building embarked on a new chapter. Physicians Konstantinos Markatatis, Evangelos Chatzakis, and Konstantinos Karyotakis purchased the property, giving it another new name: the General Clinic “Evangelismos”. It served the community until 1985. The building of the French School of Nuns, later known as General Clinic Evangelismos, stands as a silent witness to Heraklion’s changing fortunes. It reflects the city’s resilience and adaptability. It also tells a story of education interrupted, of healing offered, and of a landmark’s struggle to find its place in a changing world. Today, Evangelismos remains a significant landmark, a reminder of Heraklion’s rich and complex history. It serves as a poignant symbol of the past. The repurposed building tells a compelling story of the French School of Nuns, the German Military Hospital, and the General Clinic Evangelismos. Each chapter reflects a distinct period in Heraklion’s timeline.